What are heel spurs?
Heel spurs are hardened calcium deposits that form on the front underside of your heel bone. In their early stages, heel spurs aren’t always visible to the naked eye, but they can grow to more than a half-inch in length over time.
Heel spurs affect everyone differently. For some, they result in persistent heel pain; others experience no side-effects at all.
What are the symptoms of heel spurs?
Common symptoms of heel spurs include pain, inflammation, and swelling at the front of your heel. You might also notice that the front of your heel is red or warm to the touch.
As heel spurs grow in size, the pain typically spreads to the arch of your foot. If the spur grows large enough, you might even notice a visible bump or ridge underneath your skin.
What causes heel spurs?
Heel spurs occur due to long-term wear-and-tear of the muscles and ligaments in your feet. Over time, this progressive stress causes calcium deposits to form, resulting in a bony growth or spur.
The leading cause of heel spurs is repetitive stress due to activities like walking, running, or jumping. Other culprits include:
- Arthritis
- Excess body weight
- Ill-fitting or uncomfortable shoes
- Walking or gait issues
- Worn-out or old shoes
You’re also more likely to experience heel spurs if you have plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis is a painful condition that causes your plantar fascia –– a thick band of fibrous tissue that runs from your toes to your heel –– to become swollen and inflamed.
How are heel spurs diagnosed?
To diagnose heel spurs, the team at Advanced Foot, Ankle, & Wound Specialists, PA, reviews your health history and asks about your symptoms and lifestyle. Afterward, they order a series of X-rays to get a closer look at the bones and joints in your feet.
Most bone spurs aren’t visible to the naked eye. Diagnostic imaging allows the team to pinpoint the source of your discomfort and helps in developing a custom care plan.
How are heel spurs treated?
Treatment of heel spurs depends on their size and location and the effect on your daily life. Whenever possible, the team at Advanced Foot, Ankle, & Wound Specialists, PA, recommends conservative, non-invasive treatments like rest, cold compressions, and over-the-counter pain medication.
If your symptoms persist or get worse, the team might recommend corticosteroid shots. These injections contain steroids that can ease pain and inflammation throughout your foot. Other proven treatments for heel spurs include physical therapy, stretching exercises, and custom orthotics.
If your heel pains cause severe pain or don’t respond to other treatments, the team might recommend surgery, but only as a last resort.
To further explore treatment for heel spurs, request a consultation at Advanced Foot, Ankle, & Wound Specialists, PA. Book online to schedule an appointment or call the nearest office today.
